Devotionals

Isaiah 61:3 indicates that one result of the Messiah’s work is to make His people “oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord.” This is an image of permanence, of life in God’s presence forever. John Calvin comments, “There is ...Read More

Isaiah 61:3 indicates that one result of the Messiah’s work is to make His people “oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD.” This is an image of permanence, of life in God’s presence forever. John Calvin comments, “There ...Read More

Regeneration precedes faith. Faith is a gift from God given as a consequence of the regenerating work of the Spirit. The divine initiative is preserved through this statement. If you believe differently, consider carefully the implications, especially for the doctrine ...Read More

Today’s passage also tells us that evidence of the Spirit-filled life includes being full of song and delight (Eph. 5:19). Matthew Henry comments: “Though Christianity is an enemy to profane mirth, yet it encourages joy and gladness. God’s people have ...Read More

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of adoption, which is a great comfort to us particularly as we fight sin. Outside of Christ, we are in a state of fear. Despite our best efforts to suppress the truth, every ...Read More

The work of the Holy Spirit is extensive, and we will explore further how we may walk in the Spirit next week. We should note today, however, that the Holy Spirit does not tend to make a fuss about Himself; ...Read More

Peter reminds us today that if we suffer for bearing the name of Christ we are blessed. Just as the Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus, so too does He rest upon us, and our suffering proves that we indeed have ...Read More

The Holy Spirit certainly worked in the old covenant people, regenerating the faithful remnant to trust in the Lord. Yet the old covenant people knew that a greater measure of the Spirit was yet to come. Under the new covenant, ...Read More

In our day there is much talk of the power of the Spirit, and people want to see this power displayed “dramatically” in physical healings and other such phenomena. While we certainly confess the Spirit’s freedom and ability to bring ...Read More

There are views in the church today that say God is giving new revelation through prophets who can mix in some error as they misunderstand His Word. Such views are to be soundly and fully rejected. God has spoken fully ...Read More